First city in Britain to get two new MG dealerships

Sheffield is to become the first city in Britain to have two new MG dealerships.
 
Eric Stead (Garages) Ltd in Ecclesfield will cover the north of Sheffield and Grant & McAllin in Rother Valley Way, Holbrook, will cover the south side of the city. They are both on target to open by the end of August, just ahead of the launch of the new MG3 supermini. 
 
By the end of 2013 a further six MG dealerships are expected to open at key sites across the country. Discussions are also currently taking place with several other prospective dealers in major UK towns and cities.
 
MG has always been at the heart of Eric Stead (Garages), a former MG Rover outlet. The dealership on The Common, Ecclesfield has continued to have a new, unregistered MG on display – it’s currently one of the last MGB GTs to be built.
 
Trevor Stead, the firm’s Managing Director, said: “MG has always been an important brand for us and it’s steeped in history and heritage. But it’s the MG of the future that really excites me – I can honestly say that winning the MG franchise was one of the proudest and most exciting days of my life.”
 
The dealership, started by Trevor’s father in 1963, has a 10 bay workshop, a modern, open nine new car showroom and employs 23 people.     
 
Four generations of the same family are behind Grant & McAllin, now run by Lee Atack. It’s one of the oldest automotive businesses in South Yorkshire and began life in the bus and coach business.
 
In 2007 Grant & McAllin moved to a £2.2 million site in Rother Valley Way, just minutes away from Junction 31 of the M1. The 1.5 acre site includes a 10 bay workshop and a 25 car showroom.
 
Lee said: “MG has always been a brand that people love and respect and I share the same feelings. I can’t wait to start selling the new breed of MGs. I think that the MG6 is a highly competitive vehicle and from what I’ve seen of the MG3 it’s a brilliant package.
 
“Now everyone in Sheffield will have a local dealer and I look forward to working alongside Trevor in such exciting times.”